Preside Like a Pro
Jim Slaughter is an attorney, Certified Professional Parliamentarian, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, and past President of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers. He is author of four books on meeting procedure, including Robert's Rules of Order Fast Track and Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules, Fifth Edition. Jim is a partner in Law Firm Carolinas. For more information, visit www.jimslaughter.com.
The Order of Business
The "order of business" is the established sequence in which business is taken up during a meeting. It is a blueprint for meetings and provides a systematic plan for the orderly conduct of business.
I. Reading and Approval of Minutes
Following any corrections or additions, the minutes should be approved. While Robert's appears the minutes to be declarared approved once there are no more corrections, best practice is to approve the minutes by unanimous consent.
II. Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees
The chair usually calls on only those members who have reports.
III. Reports of Special Committees
Special committees do not have continual existence, but exist solely for the purposes of a specific project.
IV. Unfinished Business
Unfinished business (sometimes incorrectly referred to as "old business") refers to questions that have carried over from the previous meeting as a result of that meeting having adjourned without completing its order of business.
V. New Business
Following any unfinished business, the chair asks, "Is there is any new business?" Members can introduce new items of business.
Optional headings may include Opening Ceremonies, Roll Call of Members, Consent Calendar for Disposing of Routine Business by Unanimous Consent, Announcements, or Program. Any item of business can be taken out of its proper order by adopting a motion to suspend the rules with a two-thirds vote, although this is usually arranged by unanimous consent.
Phrases for the Presiding Officer
Listed below are phrases for the presiding officer as found in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. Slight variations of the given language may work just as well.
Opening the Meeting
(after quorum is present) "The meeting will come to order."
Recognizing Members
"The chair recognizes . . . ."
Stating the Question
(following motion and second) "It is moved and seconded that [or "to"] . . ."
When Debate Appears to have Ended
(if no objection, chair can proceed to vote) "Are you ready for the question?"
Taking A Vote
(once debate appears to have ended or vote has been ordered)
- Voice Vote
"The question is on the adoption of the motion to _______. Those in favor of the motion, say aye. Those opposed, say no." - Rising Vote
"Those in favor of the motion to _______ will rise [or, "stand"]." "Be seated. Those opposed will rise." "Be seated." - Counted Rising Vote
"The question is on the adoption of the motion to _______. Those in favor of the motion to _______ will rise and remain standing until counted." [Count vote.] "Be seated. Those opposed will rise and remain standing until counted." [Count vote.] "Be seated." - Vote by Show of Hands
"The question is on the adoption of the motion to _______. All those in favor of the motion will raise the right hand." [Count hands.] "Lower hands. Those opposed will raise the right hand." [Count hands.] "Lower hands."
Announcing Vote
(immediately following vote)
- Voice Vote
"The ayes have it and the motion is adopted [or "carried"]." Or, "The noes have it and the motion is lost." - Uncounted Rising or Show of Hands Vote
"The affirmative has it and the motion is adopted." Or, "The negative has it and the motion is lost." - Counted Rising Vote or Show of Hands Vote
"There are 32 in the affirmative and 30 in the negative. The affirmative has it and the motion is adopted." Or, "There are 29 in the affirmative and 33 in the negative. The negative has it and the motion is lost."
Approval of Minutes
"Are there any corrections to the minutes? If there are no corrections [or "no further corrections"], the minutes stand [or "are"] approved [or "approved as read," or "approved as corrected"]."
Proceeding Through Business
"The next item of business is..." (NEVER say "The next order of business.")
Discipline
- Motion Out of Order or Motion Not in Order
"The chair rules that the motion is out of order [or "not in order"] because..." - Member Out of Order
(serious offense while speaking) "The member is out of order and will be seated."
Articles are intended to provide general information and are not legal advice or a legal opinion. Specific questions should be directed to an attorney at Law Firm Carolinas or to another lawyer.
